Passenger severely injured in crash

A passenger was ejected through a car’s front windshield in a crash on Illinois 255 Sunday morning.

In a press release, Illinois State Police District 11 said Kristen N. Masiero, 20, of Wood River, was driving a 2003 Ford SE north on I-255 at the exit to Collinsville Road at 9:52 a.m. when she drove off the right side of the road and struck the guardrail end crash cushion. Police said Masiero lost control and continued across the exit ramp, hitting the guardrail on the right side of the road before coming to rest.

Masiero, who was wearing her seat belt, was transported to an area hospital for minor injuries. The front-seat passenger, who was not seat belted, was ejected from the vehicle through the front windshield. She was transported by ARCH Air Medical Service to a St. Louis area hospital for serious injuries.

The news release did not identify the passenger or give her age.

Masiero was cited for improper lane usage. The crash remains under investigation by the Illinois State Police.